This Reader is the first comprehensive history of the noosphere and biosphere. With significant portions of the material appearing here in English for the first time or gathered from inaccessible sources, this Reader offers a unique reference.

This reader is the first comprehensive history of the noosphere and biosphere concepts. The book includes material from seminal works both past and present, key ideas and the writings of prominent thinkers. These include:
* Bergson
* Vernadsky
* Lovelock
* Russell
* Needham
* Huxley
* Medawar
*Toynbee
* Boulding.
The book examines the potential application of noospheric ideas to current debates about culture, education and technology. Extensive introductory pieces by the editors draw out the common themes and competing ideas. Literally the sphere of the mind or intellect the noosphere is part of the realm of the possible in human affairs where there is a conscious effort to tackle global issues. The 'noosphere concept' contributes to ongoing debates about the implications of emerging technologies.